as in confusion
a state of mental uncertainty
poorly worded instructions that must have resulted in a lot of head-scratching
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Recent Examples of head-scratching
Considering the head-scratching moves that the Jets' ownership has made, they have been given the lowest grade possible in the NFLPA annual report cards.
—
Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
Both theories are plausible, but neither fully explains Broccoli’s head-scratching change of heart.
—Benjamin Svetkey and Julian Sancton, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Feb. 2025
Despite those constants in the contest, the fifth slot remains a head-scratching puzzle.
—Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 22 Jan. 2025
To be of service to our readers, Ars has done the work of looking through hundreds of such items presented at the 2025 Consumer Electronic Show, pulling out the most bizarre, unnecessary, and head-scratching items.
—Ars Technica, 11 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for head-scratching
Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
Both theories are plausible, but neither fully explains Broccoli’s head-scratching change of heart.
—Benjamin Svetkey and Julian Sancton, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Feb. 2025
Despite those constants in the contest, the fifth slot remains a head-scratching puzzle.
—Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 22 Jan. 2025
To be of service to our readers, Ars has done the work of looking through hundreds of such items presented at the 2025 Consumer Electronic Show, pulling out the most bizarre, unnecessary, and head-scratching items.
—Ars Technica, 11 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for head-scratching
Recent Examples of Synonyms for head-scratching
Noun
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In other words, bills still need to be paid no matter the confusion of politicians eager to distort the pricing mechanism that organizes the market economy.—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
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But, Zach Pozniak, chief operating officer of Jeeves NY and co-author of The Laundry Book, is here to clear the confusion.—
Shivani Vyas,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Zero visibility strategy: In cases of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, initiate your hazard lights and locate a secure spot, such as a nearby business parking area, to pull over and come to a halt.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
2 Apr. 2025
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The fog will lift by mid-morning, according to NWS Melbourne.—
Garfield Hylton,
The Orlando Sentinel,
31 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The shoes stirred something deeper — a tangle of racial and social complexities that came with simply wanting to buy, own, or even wear them.—
Tiana Randall,
Forbes.com,
1 Apr. 2025
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Even actor Kevin Bacon has found his way into this tangle of out-of-state donors.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
31 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Head-scratching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/head-scratching. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
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